Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Diane here--just wanted to let you know about our new Standard Machine Components Engineering Manual. Why don't we simply call it our "catalog"? Because we go beyond the call of duty to include valuable technical information for engineers, both of a general nature and specifically on product pages.

The 1,000-page, full color book is enlarged and updated from its predecessor. It has been redesigned with a cleaner look and additional engineering and design information, and includes core products of our line as well as many new additions. It is designed to be used alongside our Web site at www.jwwinco.com, which features the entire product line, downloadable CAD, pricing and online buying. New for 2009 is RoHS certification information for all components.

Monday, June 29, 2009

These mechanisms offer a possible mounting option for applications requiring a latch, and are RoHS compliant. The plunger housing is zinc die-cast with black plastic coated textured finish. The plungers themselves have stainless steel plunger pins and springs, with the option of a pull ring in stainless steel, or a pull knob of matte black glass fiber reinforced nylon plastic. The fastening range of these mechanisms is designed to accommodate ISO 7092 washers.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Diane posting today, and thinking about the process of selecting the right component based on what it needs to do. What I mean is, starting with the motion or action required of the operator, considering the requirements of the application and the environment in which it will be used. Is a knob appropriate, or would a U-handle be better? What sort of U-handle?

So let’s do a handy little rundown of the “applied forces” that an application may require, and review the best types of components for each motion.

1. Lift. You can use a knob for lifting if the force required is less than a pound, but typically U-handles are the best choice. Directly fighting the force of gravity generally requires a more heavy-duty handle, like a bridge handle (see here our EN 628.1 bridge handle), and you’ll definitely need to know the load capacity, to be sure it can hold up to the strain. Our catalog at www.jwwinco.com includes load capacity for our U-handles.

2. Up-Down. This refers to the direction of motion applied, and differs from lift in that you are not lifting the entire weight of the apparatus. Because the force is significantly less, you could use a ball knob, push-pull knob, a U-handle, or a handle.

3. Left-Right. Obviously, 90 degrees off from #2 above, you can use similar components.

4. Pull. Again, ball knobs, push-pull knobs, and U-handles all work. But when choosing the right one, take into account how much force will be used (for more force, use a U-handle), and consider the ergonomics involved (for two-finger pulling, use a knob that allows for grip, is comfortable, and is non-slip, like our GN 76 mushroom knobs).

5. Push. Use a ball knob or push-pull knob. If the application requires a larger knob, make sure it fits comfortably in the palm. If using a smaller knob, you may want to choose one with a concave surface to prevent the finger from slipping.

6. Push-pull. When both motions are significant, you may be looking at an application that requires more force, and therefore a larger component. Make sure the knob or U-handle is comfortable to operate and allows for a good grip.

7. Circular. To determine the best component for a circular motion, you must consider many aspects of the application. If you’re looking for fine, precise adjustments, a control knob is best. If you want a larger range of motion or are moving more mass, choose a crank handle or a handwheel. (Handwheels with digital indicators to measure the motion are an option, like the HK/HKL series.) A control lever is another possible choice.

8. Circular for clamping. If the circular motion is being used to clamp or release, an adjustable (clamping) lever could be your best choice. We offer the unique torque-free component shown here, the GN 927 clamping lever with eccentrical cam. If you want to use a knob instead, a lobe or prong knob would be your best bet, as these allow for the grip required for turning. Handwheels are another option.

9. Rotate. Your options for rotating motion are many, and depend upon the torque and speed needed, as well as the space accommodations. In confined spaces, use a lever with a ratcheting feature or an adjustable lever. For low torque, use a knurled, lobe, T-handle, or prong knob. For higher torque, use a crank handle or handwheel. The latter is the best choice if speed is crucial.

11. Rotate-push. Any knob that provides a good rotational grip will work, such as a fluted, knurled, lobed or prong knob.

12. Multiple motions. A ball knob could work (knurling may be a boon), although a handle would offer more leverage. Choose fixed or rotating based on whether rotation will be required.

Keep in mind that many other factors come into play to determine the size, material, and design of your component choice. But basing your selection on the required applied force and motion is an essential way to begin!

We offer these handles in two versions, bottom mount with blind tapped holes, and top mount with thru holes for socket head cap screws. Because the hole center dimension is identical in both versions, they can be mounted in pairs opposite each other. The handles are an excellent low-cost option for applications requiring stainless steel.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Diane here, focusing on the topic of how to design machinery for clean room applications. If a machine is to be used for food processing, medical use, or other sanitary applications, there are a lot of things to consider in the design. And of course, that means making sure the components utilized are appropriate for sanitary use as well.

The American Meat Institute has prepared an excellent checklist of things to consider when designing equipment of this nature.

1. Cleanable to a microbiological level: Food equipment must be constructed to ensure effective and efficient cleaning over the life of the equipment. The equipment should be designed as to prevent bacterial ingress, survival, growth and reproduction on both product and non-product contact surfaces of the equipment.

Our GN 5339.5 stainless steel triangular knobs were specially designed for use on machinery in the food industry. The smooth and enclosed areas as well as the corner radii comply with the requirements of hygiene standards.

2. Made of compatible materials: Construction materials used for equipment must be completely compatible with the product, environment, cleaning and sanitizing chemicals and the methods of cleaning and sanitation.

Our LWKX-TPA casters are corrosion-resistant and can withstand up to 110°C (230°F) sterilization by pressure steam cleaning, so they are perfect for medical, dental, instrumentation, hospital, food service and laboratory equipment.

3. Accessible for inspection, maintenance, cleaning and sanitation: All parts of the equipment shall be readily accessible for inspection, maintenance, cleaning and sanitation without the use of tools.

4. No product or liquid collection: Equipment should be self-draining to assure that liquid, which can harbor and promote the growth of bacteria, does not accumulate, pool or condense on the equipment.

5. Hollow areas should be hermetically sealed: Hollow areas of equipment such as frames and rollers must be eliminated wherever possible or permanently sealed. Bolts, studs, mounting plates, brackets, junction boxes, nameplates, end caps, sleeves and other such items must be continuously welded to the surface not attached via drilled and tapped holes.

Our GN 341.1 leveling feet are designed with a convex bolt head seat on the base to reduce the formation of deposits and simplify cleaning. The adjustable height sleeve shrouds the thread to resist accumulation of impurities.

7. Sanitary operational performance: During normal operations, the equipment must perform so it does not contribute to unsanitary conditions or the harborage and growth of bacteria.

Obviously one way to achieve this is the use of stainless steel components. Yet another example of our many all-stainless steel parts is the GN 300.5 adjustable lever.

8. Hygienic design of maintenance enclosures: Maintenance enclosures and human machine interfaces such as push buttons, valve handles, switches and touchscreens, must be designed, to ensure food product, water or product liquid does not penetrate or accumulate in and on the enclosure or interface. Also, physical design of the enclosures should be sloped or pitched to avoid use as storage area.

9. Hygienic compatibility with other plant systems: Equipment design must ensure hygienic compatibility with other equipment and systems, such as electrical, hydraulics, steam, air and water.

10. Validated cleaning and sanitizing protocols: Procedures for cleaning and sanitation must be clearly written, designed and proven effective and efficient. Chemicals recommended for cleaning and sanitation must be compatible with the equipment and the manufacturing environment.

“Keeping it clean” can be painstaking when you’re designing equipment. We’re here, as always, to advise and assist with your cleanroom machinery project.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Diane posting, after a recent visit to the plant that has printed our company’s catalogs for many years. Ripon Printers is a large facility in central Wisconsin that has a full range of coldset and heatset web presses as well as sheetfed equipment. They also have high capacity, specialized bindery equipment, and offer folding, drilling, shrink-wrapping and polybagging services as well.

Needless to say, Ripon has an impressive plant, with lots and lots of machines. As we bided our time between press checks of our new 1,000-page catalog, we looked at some of them. There was a stacking machine nearby, as you see here.

And all over this machine, we spotted J.W. Winco parts! Indeed, the manufacturer of this machine happens to be a customer of ours. It’s not surprising—the printing industry is a major user of the kinds of components we supply.

It was an excellent example of what I call “the Circle of Commerce.” We are a customer of Ripon Printers, they are a customer of the stacker manufacturer, and the stacker manufacturer is a customer of ours!

Indeed, the world’s commerce is like one big well-oiled machine, and it’s exciting to be a part of it.